West Indian of the Week- September 7, 2010

NEW YORK – The President of the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) has been named “West Indian of the Week” by Marketplace Excellence.

Yolanda Lezama-Clark is the first to be recognized in the new series launched by Marketplace Excellence to recognize outstanding members of the Caribbean Diaspora for their leadership and inspiration.

Ms. Lezama-Clark, daughter of Carlos Lezama, the late Trinidadian and Brooklyn Carnival pioneer, led millions of West Indians, Americans and friends of the Caribbean onto Eastern Parkway during Brooklyn’s massive Labor Day Parade yesterday.

The West Indian Day parade, recognized as a premier North American festival, this year boosted New York City’s coffers to the tune of US$86 million.

As in years past, yesterday’s carnival was a celebration of the culture, history, economic development and upward mobility of Caribbean people.

Several distinguished community leaders and politicians – Caribbean and non-Caribbean – joined West Indian nationals in a joyous celebration of the Caribbean spirit.

New York Governor David Paterson; New York State Senator John Sampson; New York City Deputy Mayor for Education and Community Development Dennis Walcott; Congresswoman Yvette Clarke of Brooklyn; New York State Assemblyman Nick Perry and US Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago Beatrice Wilkinson Welters – who each trace their roots to the Caribbean – were a part of the all-day celebration made possible due to the inspiring leadership of Yolanda Lezama-Clark and her team.

“West Indian of the Week” is produced by Marketplace Excellence, a full service, integrated marketing agency committed to excellence in the fields of public relations, marketing and media coaching.